Chafee: Rhode Island 'Better off' for Joe Fernandez

Chafee: Rhode Island 'Better off' for Joe Fernandez

Governor-elect Lincoln Chafee issued a statement this morning on the passing of Joe Fernandez, saying he witnessed firsthand the former Attorney General candidate's "energy, intelligence, and deep commitment" during the campaign.

"It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Joe Fernandez, a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of the city of Providence and the state of Rhode Island," Chafee said.

"Joe and I both ran for office this year, and throughout the course of the campaign I witnessed firsthand his energy, intelligence, and deep commitment to the state we love," Chafee added. "It was clear to me that Joe was seeking office for the right reasons: to bring honesty, integrity, and transparency to government, with a genuine desire to make life better for the people of Rhode Island. Although he was unsuccessful in that race, Rhode Island is better off for the themes and ideals Joe brought to the campaign. We can honor him best by bearing in mind what he stood for, and by remembering the fine example he set for all of us."

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Chafee noted that both men are alums of Brown University. At the time of his death, Fernandez was the president of the Brown Alumni Association.

Chafee's full statement:

It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Joe Fernandez, a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of the city of Providence and the state of Rhode Island.

Joe was an excellent Providence city solicitor, choosing to leave a private law practice to serve our capital city. He was also an active and committed alumnus of our shared alma mater, serving as president of the Brown Alumni Association and a trustee of the Brown Corporation.

Joe was a loving and devoted father and husband, and I know that this is a time of great difficulty and pain for Joe’s family. My thoughts are with his wife, Emily Maranjian, and his two young daughters.

Joe and I both ran for office this year, and throughout the course of the campaign I witnessed firsthand his energy, intelligence, and deep commitment to the state we love. It was clear to me that Joe was seeking office for the right reasons: to bring honesty, integrity, and transparency to government, with a genuine desire to make life better for the people of Rhode Island. Although he was unsuccessful in that race, Rhode Island is better off for the themes and ideals Joe brought to the campaign. We can honor him best by bearing in mind what he stood for, and by remembering the fine example he set for all of us.